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Billerica Yankee Doodle Homecoming
9/13/2008
On Saturday, Sept. 13th, the Town of Billerica, MA hosted its annual
Yankee Doodle Homecoming, a festival of the local townspeople and
their heritage. Various local companies of minute, including the
Billerica, Stowe, and Yarmouth (or Falmouth, or both, always get them
confused!) presented a re-creation of the infamous tarring and
feathering of Thomas Ditson, Jr., of March 1775.
Based on a true story, Mr. Ditson, a local farmer, traveled to Boston
to purchase a musket so that he could join the Billerica minute.
Although the details vary depending upon which side you ask, Ditson
was able to procure a musket from Sjt. Clancy of the 47th Foot,
whereupon he was soon arrested for attempting to incite a soldier to
desert. Unusual for the time, as the practice had been declining in
usage, an officer ordered Ditson to be tarred and feathered for his
crimes. After his tarring, a sign was hung about his neck and he was
paraded through Boston on a cart surrounded by 40-50 regulars led by
Lt. Col. Nestbit and accompanied by fife and drums playing Yankee
Doodle. Ditson was freed as the crowd became hostile.
Ditson eventually did join the Billerica Minutemen and fought at
Meriam's Corner on April 19th. The Billerica company refers to this
battle as "Ditson's Revenge."
The 4th Foot, with several of HM Marines and Sailors, were invited by
the Billerica minute to help re-enact the tarring and feathering of
Ditson. The 4th Foot was represented by Pvt. John Neuhauser, who
graciously coordinated the event, Acting Cpl. Joe Hummel, and Lt. Guy
Curtis, who received a field commission to play the part of the
officer for the event. Christine Hummel also attended to give her
Loyalist support.
Pvt. Neuhauser made the transaction with Ditson, whereupon he was
quickly caught by Lt. Curtis. Claiming he was robbed by Ditson (and
yet keeping the money!) Pvt. Neuhauser and Cpl. Hummel made the
arrest, bound the prisoner, stripped him of his shirt, and paraded him
before a very hostile local crowd. Marines and sailors provided armed
protection on the flanks.
Ditson was set upon his knees, and liberally tarred by Pvt. Neuhauser
(the tar being molasses, but still more than sticky enough to do the
job!) Ditson was then feathered generously. Lt. Curtis read the
King's proclamation against Ditson, and then hung a sign denouncing
the vile act around Ditson's neck.
Ditson was then paraded again before the crowd. By this time, the
local populace were quite angry with the treatment of Ditson, and were
openly denouncing the King and the Crown Forces, despite multiple
threats of similar treatment if any were to oppose the King's justice.
Unbeknownst to the British Regulars, local companies of minute were quickly
forming, as they were well-trained to do.
Ditson was released, and as the soldiers retired, they were surprised
by a strong company of minute, who cowardly fired into the backs of
the withdrawing British Regulars! Led by Cpl. Hummel, the British Regulars were able to
quickly form a line and deliver a few good volleys. However, the
British Regulars were badly outnumbered, and the local people were extremely
hostile. The British Regulars were compelled to withdraw after taking heavy
casualties. Before they could retreat, however, the company of minute
charged and finished off the survivors.
Local attendance at the festival was quite strong, and the tarring
proved to be a very popular event among guests and re-enactors alike.
Hopefully the brave man who volunteered to portray Ditson was able to
remove most of the refuse from his body without serious harm!
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